Ofo unveils its new upmarket dockless bike

Chinese dockless bike-share company Ofo has unveiled its latest bike, some of which have already been rolled out in Cambridge. The firm launched its second UK venture last week, introducing 100 bikes in Oxford.

By the end of 2017, Ofo plans to deploy 20 million bikes in 200 cities in 20 countries.

The company's new bikes have "lightweight" frames complete with front basket as well as a dynamo front light and solar-powered back light.

Ofo raised over £541 million in Series E financing round in July this year. The firm launched its service in Seattle last week while Japan is also expected to have the bikes soon.

In Cambridge, Ofo uses electric cargobikes, with bike transporter attachments, which are used by Ofo operatives to move bikes to high usage areas easily and quickly.

Ofo’s yellow bikes are hired through a smartphone app for 50p for 30 minutes and can be picked up and dropped off anywhere that bike parking is allowed. Ofo does not require riders to pay a deposit before use.

Ofo operations director Joseph Seal Driver said:

“The new style bikes are part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our user experience and ensure our dockless bike service is the best in the world.

“Non-docking bike sharing has the capabilities to improve our cities and radically change how we get around. However, it is always vital to introduce new technologies responsibly to ensure that its positive potential can be realised. That is why ofo is so committed to working in partnership with cities and communities, as well as making continued improvements to our service.”